Bo who? To Beaulieu as college celebrates 25th birthday

Since its humble beginnings in 2000, Beaulieu College has evolved from a small, single-block institution with a handful of students and teachers to a thriving, world-class school that has become a benchmark for academic excellence in the region.

The college recently marked a major milestone. Its 25th anniversary on February 20, celebrating two and a half decades of paving futures for growth, innovation, and unwavering commitment, providing top-notch education to generations of students.

Read more: Another 100% pass for Beaulieu College’s matriculants

Robert Warriner, who started at the school in the beginning, said this is the future he envisioned for the school. “There was very little here. There was a classroom block, there was the media centre block, and the admin block. We were promised that there was a vision and a trajectory for the school that would bring it into becoming, dare I say, a world class institution.

“I was young. I was 24 years old. I’d come out of Wendy Wood High School, where I’d spent the first two years of my teaching career, and I arrived here to a school that was literally in a field pile of bricks, but it soon turned into something very, very special. A very, very special place. I’ve been exposed to some of the most amazing educators, who have allowed me to grow, and at the same time, gave me a huge passion for education of this community, and, obviously, the country.

“We are known. We are a school continually ranked amongst the best co-ed schools in Gauteng, if not the country. We’re getting a name. I’m immensely proud of this school’s journey, and to the visionaries that founded it. It has evolved with the growth of Madrid.”

Also read: Beaulieu College learners showcase their talent

When asked what happened when he first stepped into the school yard, he said there were 16 staff members in total. “There were 12 teachers and the headmaster, and there was a Lina Moloto, who was the cleaner.

“There were also two gentlemen that were going to prepare the grounds for us. We had 117 children when we arrived, but we had no chairs to sit on, because the desks had been delivered, but the chairs only arrived two weeks later. So, the kids were asked to bring their camping chairs from home. We, literally, pioneered in that first year. But when you take a walk around this campus now, it is world class. It’s amazing.”

Warriner said his fondest memories are watching learners leave the school knowing what they’re wanting to do, going out and being powerful once they’ve matriculated.

“It’s the reason I’m a teacher, and this school, like all others, enables that to happen. So, I’d say the biggest thrill is seeing children come back in their 40s, with their own children. They bring their children to the college, and reflect on what they were like when they were in high school.”

Follow us on our Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok pages. Join our WhatsApp group for any story ideas you may have.

Related article: Beaulieu College 2024